Five things not to miss this weekend: 'Nutcracker,' Winter Market, 'Peter Pan' and more

Dec. 12, 2013

See 'The Nutcracker' at Hoyt Sherman Place and in Ames. / Register Illustration by Mark Marturello from phot

1. "The Nutcracker"

Today through Sunday

Ballet Des Moines puts on its annual production of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. tonight, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday at Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave. The performance features professional dancers, as well as more than 100 local youth dancers. $23- $69.www.hoytsherman.org. The Iowa State Center production of “The Nutcracker,” with choreography by Robert Thomas and Miyoko Kato Thomas of the Dancenter, begins at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Stephens Auditorium. $26-$33. www.center.iastate.edu

2. Winter Market

Today and Saturday

The Downtown Farmers Market hosts its final Winter Market of the season from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Capital Square and Kaleidoscope Mall, Fifth and Walnut streets. The event features crafts, seasonal food and live music. Bonus: Stop by the Des Moines Register’s stand on the ground level at Capital Square and judge the six finalists in our Holiday Cookie Contest. Free. www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com

3. "Peter Pan"

Tonight through Sunday

This children’s classic marks the company’s 600th main-stage production in 95 seasons. This time, the musical features Samantha Arneson in the title role and local radio host Maxwell Schaeffer as the conniving Captain Hook. Note the earlier-than-usual showtimes: 7 p.m. tonight and 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $23-$42, with discounts for seniors, students and groups. www.dmplayhouse.com

4. White Christmas Party

Saturday

Channel your in­ner Bing Crosby or Rosemary Clooney for a swanky party at Americana, 1312 Locust St. The annual event will include dancing to tunes from DJ 2-4-8, and the $10 admission will be donated to Young Variety and the Des Moines Art Center’s educational programs.

5. Simon Estes Foundation Christmas Concert

Sunday

Iowa native and opera great Simon Estes will perform a holiday concert at 3 p.m. at Hilton Coliseum, 1700 Lincoln Way, Ames. Performing with Estes will be the Des Moines Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Joseph Giunta, as well as the 1,200-voice Iowa Students Care Choir. Proceeds benefit the Simon Estes Foundation’s Eliminate Malaria Campaign. $12-$52 through Ticketmaster.